The University of Alabama has officially reinstated block seating in the lower bowl end zone of the student section, starting with this Saturday’s home football game against Ole Miss, after it was suspended for the season opener against Colorado State.

According to a press release sent out to the student body by SGA President Jimmy Taylor last Wednesday, Sept. 18, the reason block seating was postponed was to “foster a sense of inclusiveness and diversity in all areas of campus” in light of recent discrimination within the greek system.

“This Saturday is an opportunity for all students to come together with a common goal, and we can begin by cheering on the Alabama football team as one University,” Taylor said.

“I think it [the change in block seating] was pretty insignificant because most of the fraternities sat where they usually do,” Eric Inman, a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering, said. “However, some students who aren’t affiliated with a block seating group got to sit behind the endzone,” Inman said.

While sentiments were mixed, Andreea Popa, a freshman on the the pre-med track, said she sees the positive in having block seating back.

“I definitely noticed specific organizations sitting together, despite getting rid of block seating,” Popa said. “I think this method of seating is good because it gives everyone an opportunity to sit with their friends,” Popa said.

As far as this year goes, there were no changes made in the process for assigning student organization seating, SGA director of media relations Leela Foley said.

“Organizations are scored based on academics, leadership and service,” Foley said.

Foley explained that Campus Labs grades each application sent in by every student group, and the University confirms the resulting scores.

“We believe block seating is a positive thing and it is a great way to reward student organizations for their contribution to the University,” Foley said.